Monday, August 11, 2008

Dismiss what insults your soul




This weekend the double loss of Bernie Mac and Issac Hayes really shook me. It made me sad that both of these men who are actively creative forces had to pass away in an untimely fashion. My prayers are with both of their families right now.

Sunday, I had a great day with my family. When I got home with a bag full of goodies for me, I noticed a note for me from a family member. She gave me a lovely card with a note written in it. What she wrote was basically her concerns about my life right now. She just wants me to have a safe life. I got depressed.

Being an artist is never about being safe. Most of the time it is flying without a net. If your not an artist, you don't understand that. I guess from outside eyes we look like we are drifting or out of step with the world. What I came to late last night. I have to accept that people can support my choices as an actor but there is only so much they can understand. I have always known this. Last night, it got driven home.

I was listening to an inspiration podcast to get me back on track. The guest quoted the poet Walt Whitman. I let it marinate in my mind. I wanted to share this with all of you. Just keep building on your dreams despite what people say around you. If you don't believe me, then listen to Walt. Remember dismiss what insults your soul!!!

“This is what you shall do: love the earth and sun, and animals, despise riches, give alms to every one that asks, stand up for the stupid and crazy, devote your income and labor to others, hate tyrants, argue not concerning God, have patience and indulgence towards the people, take off your hat to nothing known or unknown, or to any man or number of men; go freely with the powerful uneducated persons, and with the young, and mothers, of families: read these leaves in the open air every season of every year of your life: re-examine all you have been told at school or church, or in any books, and dismiss whatever insults your soul.”

6 comments:

Judy Hartman said...

Shell,
You left a message on my blog (thank you!) and it brought me back to yours, at exactly the right moment to read this wonderful post. I love the Walt Whitman quotation and the quotation at the beginning of this entry. As an artist I have encountered much dismissal and misunderstanding about my love for art. I really think it has made me stronger and more determined to do what I love, and to encourage my daughter in her pursuit of a creative life! Hang on to what you love - this is the only life we have!!!
Wishing you all the best...!!!

Shell said...

So glad you encourage your daughter! That Walt Whitman quote is powerful. I'm making that my mantra for the rest of summer and into autumn. I am hanging on to what I love. I have to. It's part of my soul. Take care. I wish you all the best as well.

Cheryl Lynn Pastor Romance Author said...

What a beautiful post. I am struggling with living the dream right now. But as was proven by the untimely deaths of both Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes, life is indeed too short not to do that which satisfies the spirit.

Love God and live the dream.

Ciao, me Bella.

Shell said...

We all struggle from time to time, glad my post gave you some ray of sunshine. You keep on dreaming and doing!! The world needs all of us artists out there more than ever.
Hugs & kisses to you.

tea time and roses said...

Hello Shell!

I love your new look, the colors are absolutely lovely...so pretty! What a beautiful post! Living my dreams....giving up on them is simply not an option, but do feel a tiny vacation is always a good thing! For it is at those times I can regather my thoughts and dream some more! :o)

Smiles...

Beverly

Shell said...

Hi Bev,

I'm so glad you like the new look. Took a long time to find something that is me. Also, that you enjoyed the post as well.
Hugs to you.

Wordless Wednesday: Spring